Heading toward the city...

Although Ray Bradbury's work is often referred to as science fiction, Fahrenheit 451 has plenty to say about the world as it is, and not as it could be. Now that you have finished reading the book, select one of the following themes from the novel and briefly explain what the book teaches about this concept.

conformity vs. individuality        
freedom of speech and the consequences of losing it          
the importance of remembering and understanding history
machines as helpers or hindrances/enemies to mankind
the individual versus society
the importance of thinking independently

Also please answer the poll about the books in the column at the right. (The deadline to post a reply to this question is midnight, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014)

Metamorphosis

In Part Three of Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury shows the changes that have occurred in both Montag and Faber in a week's time.  How have both Montag and Faber changed?  Did you expect them both to change or did one change surprise you more?  Explain.  (The deadline to post a response is midnight, February 3, 2014.)

Techno-world

We read two articles that presented views on technology today. How has technology improved yet hurt our world?  Give specific examples. How often do you use technology on a daily basis?  Has it become a habit or a learning tool for you personally?  ( The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Monday, January 27, 2014.)

Which way do I go?

Imagine that you are Guy Montag in Fahrenheit 451.  At the end of Part Two, Captain Beatty drives you in the orange salamander to your own house.  What are you [Montag] thinking when your realize it is your home that is to be burned?  What do you do?  Why?   (The deadline to post a response to this blog is midnight, January 22, 2014.)

The Sieve and the Sand

In part two of Fahrenheit 451, Faber asserts that books are feared because they "show the pores in the face of life" and make people uncomfortable. What the world needs, according to Faber, is quality of information like that found in books, the leisure to analyze and understand it, and the right to act on that understanding. To what extent do you agree or disagree with Faber's statements? Do all books provide "quality" of information? Do all people take time to analyze and understand what they read? Have you ever read a book that made you want to "act" based upon your understanding of that book's message? Share with us. (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Tuesday, January 21, 2014.)

It is a matter of indifference...

I hope that you are enjoying Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. It truly is a "thinking" book. One of the many things I hope that you will think about as you read this novel is its theme of indifference. As you are reading Part One, what are some things you have noticed about the society that reveals their indifference? Does our present society share some of these indifferences? or others? Explain. ( The deadline to post a response to this question is midnight, Tuesday, January 14, 2014)

Welcome to English III with KP!

George Eliot once wrote "It is never too late to be what you might have been."  This is one of my all time favorite quotes because it echoes my belief that anyone at anytime has the power to choose his destiny.  This semester as we journey through composition writing and American literature, I hope that you will find something that will inspire to choose the right destiny for yourself.  I hope that you will enjoy the class and let me help you improve and enhance your writing, grammar, and reading skills.  I look forward to getting to know each of you and making this a successful semester.  My first questions to you are "What would you like me to help you with this semester?  Why do you feel you need improvement in this area?  What would the best way(s) for me to teach you?"  (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight, Thursday, January 9, 2014.  Remember if you post to use your initials and the block to indicate who you are.)